Stories from October 13, 2022

First guilty pleas offered in massive Feeding Our Future fraud, with dozens of cases pending and a century old rare wreck has been found at the bottom of Lake Superior. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Leaves up north pass their peak; color explosion still ahead for Twin Cities
After a little warmup, temperatures are back to a familiar chill as leaves in half of the state enter “past peak.” Worry not, there are still many opportunities to see fall foliage before we have bare trees.
Gov. Walz welcomes Norwegian Queen Sonja to Minnesota
The Queen of Norway along with her delegation visited Minnesota to mark the 49th anniversary of a military training exchange program and to build connections.
Social Security recipients will see the biggest cost-of-living boost in 40 years
People who receive Social Security payments are about to get more money in their bank accounts. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the increase coming to Social Security benefits and the future of the program.
In feisty debate, Craig and Kistner display deep policy divide
In the first and only debate of their rematch campaign, DFL Congresswoman Angie Craig and Republican challenger Tyler Kistner sparred Thursday over the economy, inflation, abortion rights and other issues. 
Three Feeding Our Future defendants plead guilty to wire fraud
Three of the 49 people charged in an alleged quarter-billion-dollar scheme to defraud government meal programs pleaded guilty Thursday in Minneapolis.
Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Trump for testimony on Capitol attack
The House Jan. 6 committee voted Thursday to subpoena Donald Trump for testimony before the panel over the 2021 attack at the Capitol. The panel voted unanimously to compel the former president to appear.
Weekend weather: Cool temps; NE Minnesota could see some flakes Saturday
Chilly temps will linger through the weekend. Snowflake chances will be highest in northeastern Minnesota. We have your weekend weather details and an updated fall color report.
A jury recommends life in prison for Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz
Fourteen students and three staff members were killed in the rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine's Day in 2018. Cruz, 24, pleaded guilty last year to first-degree murder.
2 Minnesota counties seek court order after receiving flawed ballots
Two northwestern Minnesota counties discovered ballots printed by a vendor failed to include political affiliation in most partisan races and lacked incumbency status in judicial contests. Both used a vendor that supplies ballots for several Minnesota counties.
Whaleback barge lost for 120 years discovered in depths of Lake Superior
A Great Lakes vessel built in the Twin Ports and lost more than a century ago has been found at a depth of more than 600 feet in Lake Superior. Barge 129, of the unique, curved "whaleback" design, sank on Oct. 13, 1902 — exactly 120 years ago.
With mortgage rates near 7%, the housing party is over. Now it's hangover time
The highest rates in 20 years are dashing the dreams of some would-be homebuyers. Others stretch to buy but spend close to $1,000 a month more in monthly payments for a typical house.
Rain, wind, snow, cold Thursday, Friday; a warm weather encore may be near
Very chilly conditions have set in. Highs will be in the 40s mainly Thursday and Friday with snow showers north Thursday with accumulations possible north Thursday night. Farther south morning snow showers are possible Friday.
See the buzzworthy winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition
This year's top prizes went to a teen from Thailand and an American who is just the fifth woman to win in 58 years. Karine Aigner spoke with NPR about the significance of the photo and the award.
Cold and breezy Thursday; snow showers north; red flag warnings southwest
It will be even chillier Thursday with highs mostly in the 40s. Parts of far northern Minnesota will remain in the upper 30s while a few southern Minnesota spots reach 50. Southwest Minnesota will see very dry, windy conditions leading to fire risk.
Minnesota should learn next June if it will host a world expo. Officials spent the week showcasing the region to an international delegation. This an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota recognizes she's a woman. She's locked in a men's prison anyway
When transgender people are incarcerated, they're often put in prisons that don't align with their gender identity. Some are taking legal action to try to get moved to prisons that match their gender.
Explaining the NFL's latest concussion controversy and policy change
As the NFL heads into its sixth week, concerns around brain injuries are at a renewed high after a dramatic hit on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa prompted a change to the league's concussion protocol.
Finalists for St. Paul police chief answer questions during public forum
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter is expected to decide soon who will become the city’s new police chief. A search committee narrowed the field to five finalists.
Art Hounds: Art that explores the sea, prairie and spiritual realms
“Frontera Liminal” at the Anderson Center in Red Wing pairs the work of two Latino artists exploring where the spiritual and the everyday collide. At Westminster Gallery in Minneapolis, Susan Sperl’s detailed felted sea creatures, paired with comics by two teen artists, connect the health of the Mississippi watershed with the health of ocean life. Dodie Logue’s abstract paintings evoke the color and texture of the summer prairie in Buffalo, Minn.
Crime, abortion at center of Minnesota attorney general’s race
The race for attorney general between incumbent DFLer Keith Ellison and Republican Jim Schultz is expected to be one of the tightest in the state, according to recent polls. The candidates are trying to find an edge with 26 days left before Election Day.